The Nigerian Army has confirmed that its South-East Joint Task Force, operating under the code name Operation Udoka, clashed with suspected terrorists in Abia State, resulting in the death of four militants during a recent clearance operation.
The engagement, which took place on Monday, occurred in a forest area in Umuaku Isuochi, located within the Umunneochi Local Government Area (LGA) of the state. This was disclosed by Lt. Col. Jonah Unuakhalu in a statement released on Monday night.
According to the statement, the operation, which began in the early hours of Monday, also led to the discovery and destruction of a camp believed to be operated by the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Isiala Ngwa North LGA. The camp was located along the Imo River axis.
In addition to dismantling the camp, the soldiers recovered several arms, vehicles, and other equipment from the site. Further raids were conducted in Imo State, targeting similar camps, where additional recoveries were made.
Chronicles reporters had earlier reported that Nigerian Army troops from the 14 Brigade in Ohafia, Abia State, engaged in a fierce firefight with gunmen. The confrontation occurred in Mbata, Umuchima village, within the Isiala Ngwa North LGA.
As the situation escalated, over 15 Hilux vehicles and armored personnel carriers were deployed to the area around 6 am to reinforce the troops. The gunmen were believed to be positioned near a river that marks the boundary between Abia and the Mbaise region of Imo State.
Soldiers secured key routes into and out of the village while other military units continued to engage the militants in the surrounding forests.
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